The home of exterior designer Daniel Keeley with DK Design and antiques dealer Alexander Hunt with French Metro Antiques, both in Fayetteville, is a blend of outdoor living spaces, contemporary design and antique furnishings. The ranch-style home received an overhaul when the two moved in, including replacing the carpet in the main living areas with bamboo flooring and painting the stark white walls. “We wanted to give it a more up-to-date look,” Daniel says. Originally, the back of the home offered a wooden deck running along one third of the house. “We knew we’d be spending a lot of time out here, so we extended the deck to run the length of the house,” Daniel says. With this added space, Daniel was able to put his design talent to work, crafting a unique space that’s functional and design savvy. A large grill anchors one side of the deck, in front of which Daniel placed a table with three potted plants to camouflage the space when not in use. A comfortable seating area includes upholstered chairs, a sofa and a lounger, while a large mirror visually expands the space and reflects the lush green surroundings. The inside of the home is filled with original, local artwork and exceptional design elements. The open floor plan between the living room, den, dining and kitchen allows a consistent traffic flow, although each space is delineated with key furnishings. The den holds a Louis Philippe-period secretary, circa 1830 to 1845, with burled walnut and a marble top, as well as a Louis XI-style jardinière with exotic wood inlays, circa 1860. “I found the jardinière on one of my last trips to France,” Alexander says. “I really loved it, and was grateful to receive it as a birthday present.” Juxtaposed with these fine antiques, a handmade desk chair upholstered in outdoor fabric is paired with a sleek-lined sofa and chair. “We enjoy the composition of old and new pieces,” Daniel says. “We also incorporate natural materials throughout.” One of these natural elements stands next to the living room fireplace. At first glance it appears to be some sort of a sculpture, but on closer inspection it’s a piece of driftwood. Daniel recovered the tree root from the White River. He had it mounted upside down on a stand, allowing the entangled rocks and eye-catching form to be fully enjoyed. Continuing the more natural elements, the artwork above the mantel is a photograph on canvas by Jake Aslin, who specializes in macro photography. “The image is actually a close up of rust,” Daniel says. “Jake takes something that tends to be ugly and finds the beauty in it.” Another room that Daniel and Alexander utilize often is the outdoor dining room. They converted the existing carport into a spectacular dining space, complete with drapery, a one-of-a-kind table and banquette. “Daniel designed the table out of scrap metal and had it welded,” Alexander says. “The curtains are made of outdoor fabric with weights in the bottom, and the space is enclosed with a wall of planters.” The teak chairs, lanterns and botanical elements are also Daniel’s design. “We use the space a lot,” he says. “We entertain out here often, and it’s just a great place to relax. I always like creating beautiful outdoor rooms in unexpected places.” |
Elizabeth Nobles Long
Squared Away
1. Larson-Juhl’s Water Gilded Chateau frame blends petite ornate details with traditional style and an embossed finish. Available at frame shops statewide.
2. Available in standard and custom sizes, Roma frames are crafted in Italy, and this one offers deep moulding for multiple layers of design. Available at Cantrell Gallery in Little Rock.
3. The Showroom in Little Rock affords clients a wide variety of framing options, including this elaborate wooden frame with bronze finish.
4. From Larson-Juhl by Jonathan Adler, the Meurice bamboo frame in lime green adds a definite pop of color. Available at frame shops statewide.
5. This golden frame catches the eye with its subtle swirl relief and depth of color. Available at M2 Gallery in Little Rock.
6. Roma’s Eleganza gilded silver frame offers a cool hue with sleek sophistication. Available at Hillcrest Gallery in Little Rock.
7. From A.P.F. Munn, this moulding is hand-carved and finished with 22-karat gold leaf for pure opulence. Available at Cantrell Gallery in Little Rock.
8. For an aged look with a touch of contemporary metal design, Larson-Juhl’s Lucerne in burgandy is just the choice. Available at frame shops statewide.
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Conway
Downtown Conway
Walk This Way
Conway has much to offer residents and visitors alike, combining the best aspects of a small town with the cultural opportunities offered by two top-notch universities. Both the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College are known for amazing performing arts and special events, while Conway Regional Medical Center offers world-class healthcare in a friendly environment. Combine all these amenities with great boutique shopping and a rapidly expanding dining scene, and you’ve got the best of both worlds, whether you’re just in town for a visit or you decide to make Conway your home. ShoppingBevy’s Conway’s Classic Touch DeBoard Electronics EM Jeans Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers Hambuchen Home Furnishings House of Ivo Jenifer’s Antiques Just T’s N The Kitchen Store Lance Johnston Photographers Lefler’s Moravia PK’s Pizzazz The Plant Outlet Room to Room Rose Cottage Something Blue The Sporty Runner A Very Merry Christmas Store Walk This Way Warp & Woof Wilkinson’s Mall Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe Home DesignAmerican Blinds & Shutters Coney’s Garage Door Conway Block Conway Custom Builders Creative Concrete Solutions Floorscapes of Arkansas Hambuchen Custom Homes First Security Bank First State Bank Legacy Fencing Pam McDowell Properties Dining and EventsAgora Conference Center Michelangelo’s Italian Ristorante Mike’s Place Oak Street Bistro Stoby’s |
A Room with a View
When Janell and Clark Mason speak about the backyard of their home on Sunset Circle, they focus on their incredible view. “We refer to our view of the yard and the river as the best piece of art in our collection,” Janell says. But the vista has not always been so sunny. When the Masons bought the property in 2004, the backyard was completely redesigned by Doug McCall of McCall’s Landscaping.
When Janell and Clark Mason speak about the backyard of their home on Sunset Circle, they focus on their incredible view. “We refer to our view of the yard and the river as the best piece of art in our collection,” Janell says. But the vista has not always been so sunny. When the Masons bought the property in 2004, the backyard was completely redesigned by Doug McCall of McCall’s Landscaping.
“Doug sketched his vision for the grounds, and we continue to be delighted with the results of his creative process,” Janell says. “Even before the house was in the framing stage, he was able to envision what the landscaping would look like from not only eye level, but from as high above as our upper level great room and terraces.” Janell recalls that Doug literally moved dirt for weeks, making the steep slope of the yard much more useable. “He carved out the different pools, and then the rock artists worked their magic, building falls, sets of steps, seating areas, a bridge and dining areas, followed by lighting, all under Doug’s guidance.”
The Masons’ two sons planted the flower gardens, taking into account that winter jasmine and butterfly bushes are two of Janell’s favorite plants. “On several occasions we’ve opened our front door and smelled the jasmine all the way from the back,” she says. The lush butterfly bushes with their brilliant blooms in the summer attract a wide range of butterflies. “It’s such a treat to walk through the yard and see hundreds of colorful wings fluttering,” she says. “I love photographing them.”
The Masons’ sons also stocked three ponds with twenty small goldfish, which have grown to over five inches long in just a year. The family also loves to watch the deer romp in the yard. “I’m a city girl, so deer are very intriguing to me,” Janell says. “This year we had a group of eight, which included three fawns, and it was hilarious to watch them run around the lowest pond and play chase.”
The Masons also love to entertain outdoors. “When it warms up, we head outside to grill and enjoy the view of the Arkansas River,” Janell says. “Our friends also enjoy wandering through the gardens, and we’ve had a few people ask to have their engagement and bridal portraits taken here.” One of the Masons’ favorite spots is the cabana, which is near the top waterfall. “Last year we hosted a fundraiser—dinner for over 300 people—we had so many tables that we ran out of room on the pool terrace and placed several tables in the back yard at different levels. It was much more functional than I imagined.”
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Shady Ladies
1. Available at The Shoe Box in Magnolia, these tortoiseshell glasses by Fossil offer movie-star styling with their oversized lenses and gold-tone hardware.
2. Set on a gold frame and accented with precious stones, these rimless Cartier glasses, available at Burrow’s and Mr. Frank’s Optical in Little Rock, are the embodiment of glamour.
3. With a neutral exterior and bright blue interior, these Jimmy Crystal glasses from Vesta’s in Little Rock are studded with Swarovski crystals.
4. The Glendora style by Brighton combines the line’s signature silver vine motif with oversized frames in a sparkling champagne hue. Available at Jennifer’s in Magnolia.
5. Amber crystals and stylized “J” detailing offer fun, stylish surprises on these Juicy Couture sunglasses, from Nia-Ja’s in Little Rock.
On the Surface
Set in Stone
The look of stone and brick is timeless, and these styles are sure to inspire
 Irregular shaped Coronado stone is meticulously hand colored with natural oxides to simulate real stone, and this variety was inspired by river-washed creek rocks. Available at Antique Brick in Little Rock. Photo courtesy Antique Brick and Block |
 Affording a wonderful blend of creams, browns and black, the Juperana Ipanema granite is quarried in Brazil and makes for a beautiful countertop. Available at Bedrock International in Little Rock. |
 For a colorful solid surface choose CaesarStone quartz. Shown in apple martini, CaesarStone surfaces offer a variety of applications from countertops to wallcoverings. Available at retailers statewide. Photo courtesy Caesarstone |
 Inside Effects in Little Rock crafted this bathroom with varying forms of Angelica gold travertine. The whirlpool surround is a slab, while the shower walls are mosaic tiles. Photo by Kyle McLaughlin |
For a touch of Old-World style, Robinson Thin Brick is a must. Their line of Old Brick Originals is available in various color palettes and is built to suit your space. Available at Antique Brick in Little Rock. Photo courtesy Antique Brick and Block |
Tile Treatment
Create striking focal points and colorful details with the latest tile offerings
 Let the talented craftsmen at Acme Brick & Tile in North Little Rock customize a work of art for you. Whether inside or out, their creations are truly one-of-a-kind, such as this one made from Jeffrey Court walnut and ivory travertine tiles. Photo courtesy Acme Brick |
 Almond cream marble acts as the ideal backdrop for the octagonal tile and Florentine border, all from the Antiquity collection by Jeffrey Court and available at Acme Brick & Tile in North Little Rock. Photo courtesy Acme Brick |
 These amazing glass mosaic tiles lend a gleaming luster, and the myriad of colors work well with any interior style. Available at Bedrock International in Little Rock. Photo courtesy Bedrock |
 From Sicis The Art Factory, the Waterglass series of glass tiles are formed from lightweight glass pixels, cut with mathematical precision for optimum sheen and color. Available online at sicis.com. Photo courtesy Sicis |
The Asteria tile by Ann Sacks boasts jewelry-grade turquoise expertly cut into small squares, creating a truly unique surface. Asteria can be used in a myriad of applications, from fireplace surrounds to shower walls. Available at dealers statewide. Photo courtesy Ann Sacks |
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The Smell of Summer
1. The latest addition to the Bond No. 9 NYC perfume collection is Andy Warhol-inspired Union Square, which offers a bright fragrance and lively bottle. Available at Powder & Smoke in Little Rock.
2. Marc Jacobs’ Grapefruit Splash blends grapefruit with ginger and white musk. Available at Sephora in Rogers.
3. L’Olfacive 129 by Crazylibellule and the Poppies hits high notes of orange and mandarin with base notes of amber and vanilla. Available at Bella Boutique in Little Rock.
4. Chloé Eau de Parfum is classic with its warm rose aroma, and the bottle is just as striking. Available at Dillard’s stores statewide.
5. Vera Wang’s Bouquet is a union of green botanicals and black currant leaves with a finish of lavender and white iris root. Available at Dillard’s store statewide.
6. Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel is a modern interpretation of the original with an Oriental flavor. Available at Barbara Jean in Little Rock.
7. Experience a delicate blend of wild musk and natural florals in Alabaster Eau de Parfum by Banana Republic. Available at stores statewide.
8. Tiare Eau de Parfum from Chantecaille offers a delicate gardenia scent. Available at Glo Limited in Little Rock.
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The French Country Appeal
 The home’s yellow stucco helps set it apart, as does the lush ivy that winds its way across the exterior. “Every one thinks the home is older than it is thanks to the Old-World feel of the ivy,” Karen says. |
 The manicured hedges form a pristine, round courtyard in the front of the home, which holds the clay fountain and is accented by the iron door and railings by Imperial Doors in Springdale. |
 Urns filled with purple pansies and tall topiaries stand on either side of the front door as stately welcoming agents. |
 The manicured hedges are centered with a tall clay fountain from Cantrell Gardens. |
Matt McLeod
There’s the stereotypical artist dreamer, and then there’s Little Rock-based painter Matt McLeod. Balancing family, the business of art and his passion for painting, Matt has a career plan that keeps him firmly grounded. “I treat being an artist as being an entrepreneur,” he says. “I’m my own boss, and I have a lot of flexibility, but I don’t take it lightly.” When Matt decided to strike out on his own as a professional painter in 2003, the stakes were high. An established advertising man, he had built a career at several of the state’s most prestigious advertising agencies, including Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods, Stone Ward and Thoma Thoma Creative. As his career developed, so too did his interest in painting. After fifteen years of honing his skills as a hobby painter and taking lessons at the Arkansas Arts Center, Matt decided to take a risk. “Being an artist is not an easy thing,” he says. “If I didn’t feel like I had to do it, I probably wouldn’t have tried.” But Matt wasn’t about to try to make it without a plan. He started out by organizing artist workshops, which were both a welcome source of income during the first difficult months, and a chance for Matt to improve his own skill by studying with experienced instructors. Soon he was teaching his own classes. “There’s no better way to learn than to teach,” he says. By breaking down painting techniques for his students, Matt learned even more about his own distinctive style and approach to composition and color. Bold and energetic, Matt’s paintings manifest a wildness and creative freedom that offset his more serious side. A modern Impressionist painter, he says he is also influenced by the Fauvism movement, a term derived from the French word fauve, meaning wild beast, and used to describe the vivid and emotive use of color by a school of French post-Impressionist painters. His pieces are strikingly colorful, combining warm and cool tones in unexpected ways. Local streetscapes and landmarks are often the subjects of his work, but by manipulating the color tones and saturation, Matt gives these familiar sights a modern, deconstructed feel. “I paint what I know,” he says of the settings of his pieces, “but I try to paint it in a way that it can be universal.” Although he also works in acrylic, Matt creates some of his most complex and unusual color effects in oil. His skill as an art instructor is evident as he describes his oil painting technique. “Oils dry slowly and blend easily, so you can soften edges. It delivers pigment really well,” he says. “There’s something about it that’s just really pleasing to the eye. However, often the most vibrant color values are lost due to this blending.” To preserve the intense color contrasts that make Matt’s work so distinctive, he uses a chemical compound called alkyd to speed drying between layers. Once a layer is completely dry, he can introduce new, saturated colors on top without them blending into previous layers. The resulting splashes of color and contrasting high and low values are helping Matt to stand out in the art world. Represented by Blue Moon Gallery in Hot Springs, as well as T. Lamarr Fine Art in Little Rock, Matt is planning expansions to Dallas and Nashville in the near future. His piece Capital Traffic was also recently selected by an out-of-state jury to be featured on the cover of the 2008 Arkansas Artists Calendar. A working artist, Matt knows that increasing his exposure is an important key to success, but continuing to improve his skills is foremost among his plans. “There’s always room for getting better. The more you paint, the better painter you become,” he says. After five years as a professional painter, Matt is thankful for the discipline and work ethic, not to mention the marketing skills, he learned in his previous career. “Sometimes I wish that I had started right out of school as an artist. But at the same time, I feel like a lot of my success is based on the fact that I did spend 15 years in the business world, and I know how to focus my energy in a very specific way.” |
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